Estonia – 31st May, 2016

The Duke of York visited Estonia between 31st May and 1st June, 2016 with a programme focussed on Entrepreneurship.

On the first day of his visit to Estonia, The Duke of York attended the opening of the Latitude59 conference, where he met with Mr. Taavi Rõivas, Prime Minister of Estonia. His Royal Highness was presented with Estonian e-residency, which provides secure access to Estonia’s digital services. His Royal Highness said he was “fascinated to be here to learn and listen, and be cultivated in how you [Estonians] work”, and commented that “what Estonia has done has been remarkable. Latitude59 is also to be congratulated for its success”.

The Duke of York also joined a Panel Discussion with the Prime Minister and Mr. Tim Draper (Draper Fischer Jurveston and Draper University). The discussion was hosted by Mr. Sten Tamkivi (Teleport, Silicon Valley) and covered topics around Startup hubs, their impact for Startups and what’s in it for countries and cities. The Prime Minister said that “today’s Startups are tomorrow’s big players and it is the task of the government to keep up the pace.” His Royal Highness said “London is a stepping stone and has weight of numbers and success and is a great place to get the “Startup feel”.”

Next, The Duke of York, Patron, Raspberry Pi, visited Pelgulinna Gynmasium School and met with students using Raspberry Pi computers. The Prime Minister said “As our life becomes more and more digital, we need to know more about apps and I am pleased you know about it. Once you have digital skills, there’ll be good jobs for you, wherever you decide to live.” His Royal Highness said “Use Raspberry Pis to their full potential and see where no one else has got to. Expand your minds then you can become the future leaders of this country and other parts of the world. Learning together will mean you learn far more. Raspberry Pi offers opportunities to learn in new ways and far more.”

Later, Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of Estonia, gave a lunch at Kadriorg Palace for The Duke of York. His Royal Highness received a briefing at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. The Duke of York laid a wreath at the Estonian Defence Forces Cemetery to commemorate the sacrifice made by British Forces during the Estonian War of Independence, 1918-1920. 112 British lives were lost during this time.

His Royal Highness later attended a dinner hosted by Mr. Taavi Rõivas, Prime Minister of Estonia at Keila Joa Castle.